Research Documents and Reports

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Open Access
2006 Yellow Perch Red River Delta Data (Appendix 12)
(2006) Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Open Access
Advances in the Integration of Watershed and Lake Modeling in the Lake Winnipeg Basin
(Government of Canada, 2010) Leon, L.F.; Booty, W.; Wong, I.; McCrimmon, C.; Melles, S.; Benoy, G.; Vanrobaeys, J.
Estimating non-point source pollution from watersheds and the effects of mitigation measures (e.g. beneficial management practices or BMPs) is an important step in managing and protecting water quality, not only at the basin level where it originates, but also at the receiving waters such as reservoirs, lakes or oceans. Lake Winnipeg is a prime example of such land-lake interactions, where eutrophication and increased algal blooms in the lake are fueled, as evidence suggests, from agricultural sources of nutrients in the region. Over the years, simulation models at the watershed level have been applied to aid in the understanding and management of surface runoff, nutrients and sediment transport processes. Similarly, models with different degrees of complexity are used to simulate the aquatic ecology and water quality in lakes. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a widely known watershed model, which provides estimations of runoff, sediment yield, and nutrient loads at a sub-basin level. Here we examine the application of SWAT to one of three pilot watersheds on the Lake Winnipeg basin in order to investigate the impacts and uncertainties of different BMPs on nutrient loading in the targeted catchment areas. We also explore avenues for scaling and propagating such loads and uncertainties into the receiving lake models.
Open Access
Air-Sea CO2 flux estimates in stratified Arctic coastal waters: How wrong can we be?
(AGU, 2019-01-03) Miller, Lisa A.; Burgers, Tonya; Burt, William; Granskog, Mats; Papakyriakou, Tim
Summer near-surface seawater sampling in the Canadian Arctic revealed potential for significant errors (nearly 0.1 μmol·(m-2 s -1)) in CO2 fluxes calculated from measured air-sea CO2 gradients. River runoff and sea ice melt strongly stratify these waters, often resulting in surface mixed layers only a few meters thick and isolated from waters sampled by shipboard underway systems. Samples collected with the underway system, rosette, and small boats exposed substantial near-surface gradients in CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) over the top 7 m at many stations. Distributions of temperature, salinity, and fluorescence indicated that the sources of the CO2 system gradients varied between stations, precluding simple corrections to align subsurface data with shallower conditions. Overall, the strong summertime sink of atmospheric CO2 implied by the underway data was not supported by shallower data.
Open Access
America's animal factories: how states fail to prevent pollution from livestock waste
(Natural Resources Defense Council, 1998) Natural Resources Defense Council and Clean Water Act
Factory farms, which mass-produce animals in assembly-line fashion, have harmed aquatic life, human health and ecosystems across the nation. As industrial-sized farms stagger under the vast burden of manure they are generating, environmental disasters are inevitable. The scale of this unprecedented outpouring of animal waste is staggering: 130 times the waste generated by humans in this country each year. This section details how animal waste is poisoning our water and air. It also explains why more disasters are likely to occur unless the nation takes serious steps not only to regulate the way animal factories currently handle their waste but also to turn towards more benign methods of raising animals and managing the wastes they generate.
Open Access
AN ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL WETLAND VEGETATION MAP COVERAGES. PRODUCED BASED ON AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND SATELLITE IMAGERY NETLEY-LIBAU MARSH, 2001
(Water Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 2014-06) Watchorn, K. Elise
Netley-Libau Marsh, the largest coastal wetland adjoining Lake Winnipeg, has been mapped by aerial photography in the past (Grosshans et al 2004; Verbiwski 1986), indicating a trend of vegetation loss, but a lack of historic aerial photography has limited mapping efforts to sporadic intervals. Landsat imagery, though of a coarser spatial resolution, has the advantage of high temporal and spectral resolution. In this study, a classified digital vegetation map was created for Netley-Libau Marsh in 2001 using GIS software, Landsat 7 imagery, and a visual classification methodology, for the purposes of comparison with an existing digital vegetation map produced by Grosshans et al (2004) from aerial photography obtained during the same year. Visual delineation and classification of Landsat multispectral imagery was a method suitable for producing wetland maps which distinguish vegetated from non-vegetated areas with a high degree of accuracy, as compared to the truthed Grosshans et al map. Whereas that photography-based mapping exercise distinguished 23 vegetation classes grouped under six marsh zones; this study was able to successfully distinguish five marsh zones – water, not vegetated, emergent wetland vegetation, wet meadow, and upland. Further distinction and categorization of three marsh zones into seven vegetation classes was also possible, but with a lower degree of accuracy. This report describes the methods used to evaluate differences in surface area of equivalent classes between the two mapping exercises. It also provides recommendation for the future analysis of Landsat images to produce a time series of classified digital vegetation maps that may be used to explore relationships between lake and river hydrology and wetland plant cover. This knowledge will be fundamental to guide management and remediation efforts for the benefit of Netley-Libau Marsh and Lake Winnipeg.
Open Access
Analysis of the effects of the Pine Falls pulp mill on the benthic invertebrates in the Winnipeg River, Manitoba
(Department of Fisheries and Oceans, 1996-07-01) Wong, P.L.; Armstrong, L.; Bezte, C.L.; Wilkinson, P.; Lockhart, W.L.
In Oct. 1994 a comprehensive study was initiated to assess the effects of the Pine Falls Pulp and Paper Mill on the invertebrates in the Winnipeg River. A total of 20850 invertebrate specimens was collected belonging to eight major classes.
Open Access
An Annotated Bibliography on Lake Manitoba and Adjoining Waters
(Delta Marsh Field Station (University of Manitoba), 2003-11) Bortoluzzi, Tara
Lake Manitoba located in south-central Manitoba, is the thirteenth largest freshwater lake in North America, spanning approximately 4700 km2. The lake is an important resource for Manitoba in terms of fisheries, recreation, hydrology and wildlife. For the past few decades there has been a growing awareness, as a result of few studies on Lake Manitoba and its surrounding waterbodies that the water quality of the lake has been deteriorating for at least the past 30 years. This has increased the need for adequate information on the current and historical biological health of Lake Manitoba and adjoining water bodies, primarily to adequately assess of the impacts of a wide range of human influences and developments on the biological health of the lake and surrounding water bodies. This has resulted in a growing need for a comprehensive bibliography summarizing studies conducted on Lake Manitoba and adjoining water bodies. In this annotated bibliography the attempted has been to compile all substantive references addressing the current and historical biological health of Lake Manitoba. Selected water bodies that surround Lake Manitoba have also been included in the bibliography including Lake St. Martin, Waterhen Watershed, Pineimuta Lake and Marsh, Dauphin River, Fairford River, the Whitemud Watershed, and Delta Marsh. The lower Assiniboine River, from Brandon to the Assiniboine River Diversion (also known as the Portage Diversion) has also been included, along with the Assiniboine Diversion. In term of biological health, publication dealing with historical and current water quality conditions and water levels, and their effects in the above mentioned water bodies have been included in the bibliography. The effects of water quality and water levels include effects on the physical, chemical and biological features of the ecosystem. Publications containing information on historical regulation of Lake Manitoba and water levels in the lake have also been included. In total approximately 400 publications are included in this bibliography, spanning a period of over 125 years, with publications as early as 1876 included, continuing up until the beginning of 2002. In the bibliography the content of each publication has been concisely summarized. The summaries given for each publication, focus in material in the documents that pertains to Lake Manitoba and the other water bodies mentioned above. A summary table is also include in this report in Section two, to exemplify specific subject material that is contained in the publications such as various water quality parameters, and information on fisheries, flora, fauna, agriculture,recreational usage, soils and geology. The location and season of field studies is also given in the table. Locations where publications can be found, if known, are given to aid the reader in locating copies of the publications. A list of the various locations is given along with addresses, contact information, and hours of operation in Section three. Another section (section four) has also been included, which contains a brief list of historical photographs of Lake Manitoba, and select surrounding water bodies. From this bibliography it is apparent that there is a lack of information on the current and historical health of Lake Manitoba, and the majority of its surrounding water bodies. While the general hydrology of the Lake is relatively well documented, many aspects are inadequately understood, including the physical limnology and water chemistry of the lake. Water quality data is sporadically available on the lake as early as 1926. During the 1960s and 1970s there was a water quality monitoring program carried out at up to sixteen sites in the North and South Basins of the lake. However, the sampling program was reduced to six stations in 1973, with three in each basin, and in 1977 the program was eliminated all together. Furthermore, most of the data that were gathered from the sampling programs are unpublished. Today, only one sampling station exists in the entire lake located approximately 1 km offshore from the south end of the South Basin. The site has been monitoring since 1991. Much of the scientific data gathered on Lake Manitoba has been biological in nature, mostly concerning the lakes fishery. Relatively few published studies exist which have examined the algal or invertebrate composition of the lake. There is clearly an essential need for more scientific data to be gathered on the biological health of Lake Manitoba, as well as its surrounding water bodies. It should also be noted that due to the expansive amount of publications that have resulted from research studies that have been conducted at Delta Marsh only those that directly relate biological, chemical and influences from Lake Manitoba on the marsh and surrounding area, and influences on the lake from the surrounding watershed are included in this bibliography. The majority of studies conducted in Delta Marsh have also been previously sited in a bibliography compiled by den Haan (unpublished) that is currently in the final stages of complication and will be published later this year. Publications and theses resulting from work at the Delta Marsh can also be found in the Delta Marsh Field Station (University of Manitoba) Annual Reports that can be obtained through the Delta Marsh Field Station (University of Manitoba) (see locations list). It should also be noted that currently publications are still being added on a daily basis to the Manitoba Conservation and Environment Library, since the closure and the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources Library, and the transfer of its publications to the Manitoba Conservation and Environment Library. Approximately 1,000 publications are being added monthly to the library’s catalogue. As a result some publications, other than the ones included in this bibliography could exist on Lake Manitoba and the other surrounding water bodies; however they were not accessible during the compilation of this bibliography, so they may not have been included.
Open Access
Appendix A - Water Quality Report
(International Joint Commission, 1976) International Garrison Diversion Study Board
The purpose of this part of the report is to describe the present water quality of Lakes Manitoba and Winnipeg and, to predict future water quality with and without the imposition of irrigation return flows, canal system seepage, operational wastes, municipal and industrial effluent and fish and wildlife return flows related to the planned Garrison Diversion Unit in North Dakota.
Open Access
ArcticNet 2011 Expedition of the CCGS Amundsen
(Centre for Earth Observation Science, 2011) Asplin, Matthew G; Scharien, Randall
This document represents the data report for datasets collected by researchers based at the Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), University of Manitoba, under the Sea Ice research component of the ArcticNet Network for 2011. Our group is actively involved in research that revolves around improving our understanding of ocean-sea ice-atmosphere dynamic and thermodynamic coupling, as well as how this coupling impacts the ecology of the sea ice, and the waters immediately beneath. We employ a large ensemble of ship-based sensors, and physical sampling equipment that collect sensor-based atmospheric, oceanic and sea ice data. Our data collection efforts are driven by many interlinked objectives.
Open Access
Assessing issues associated with a time-integrated fluvial fine sediment sampler
(John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, 2019-03-27) Goharrokhi, Masoud; Pahlavan, Hoda; Lobb, David A.; Owens, Philip N.; Clark, Shawn P.
Collecting a representative time‐integrated sample of fluvial fine‐grained suspended sediment (<63 μm) is an important requirement for the understanding of environmental, geomorphological, and hydrological processes operating within watersheds. This study (a) characterized the hydrodynamic behaviour of a commonly used timeintegrated fine sediment sampler (TIFSS) using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) in controlled laboratory conditions and (b) measured the mass collection efficiency (MCE) of the sampler by an acoustic Doppler current profiler under field conditions. The laboratory results indicated that the hydrodynamic evaluations associated with the original development of the TIFSS involved an underestimation of the inlet flow velocity of the sampler that results in a significant overestimation of the theoretical MCE. The ADV data illustrated that the ratio of the inlet flow velocity of the sampler to the ambient velocity was 87% and consequently, it can be assumed that a representative sample of the ambient fine suspended particles entered into the sampler. The field results showed that the particle size distribution of the sediment collected by the TIFSS was statistically similar to that for the ambient sediment in the Red River, Manitoba, Canada. The MCE of the TIFSS in the field trials appeared to be as low as 10%. Collecting a representative sample in the field was consistent with the previous findings that the TIFSS is a suitable sampler for the collection of a representative sample of sufficient mass (e.g., >1 g) for the investigation of the properties of fluvial fine‐grained suspended sediment. Hydrodynamic evaluation of the TIFSS under a wider range of hydraulic conditions is suggested to assess the performance of the sampler during high run‐off events.
Open Access
Assessing issues associated with a time‐integrated fluvial fine sediment sampler
(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2019-03-09) Goharrokhi, Masoud; Pahlavan, Hoda; Lobb, David A.; Owens, Philip; Clark, Shawn P.
Collecting a representative time‐integrated sample of fluvial fine‐grained suspended sediment (<63 μm) is an important requirement for the understanding of environmental, geomorphological, and hydrological processes operating within watersheds. This study (a) characterized the hydrodynamic behaviour of a commonly used time-integrated fine sediment sampler (TIFSS) using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) in controlled laboratory conditions and (b) measured the mass collection efficiency (MCE) of the sampler by an acoustic Doppler current profiler under field conditions. The laboratory results indicated that the hydrodynamic evaluations associated with the original development of the TIFSS involved an underestimation of the inlet flow velocity of the sampler that results in a significant overestimation of the theoretical MCE. The ADV data illustrated that the ratio of the inlet flow velocity of the sampler to the ambient velocity was 87% and consequently, it can be assumed that a representative sample of the ambient fine suspended particles entered into the sampler. The field results showed that the particle size distribution of the sediment collected by the TIFSS was statistically similar to that for the ambient sediment in the Red River, Manitoba, Canada. The MCE of the TIFSS in the field trials appeared to be as low as 10%. Collecting a representative sample in the field was consistent with the previous findings that the TIFSS is a suitable sampler for the collection of a representative sample of sufficient mass (e.g., >1 g) for the investigation of the properties of fluvial fine‐grained suspended sediment. Hydrodynamic evaluation of the TIFSS under a wider range of hydraulic conditions is suggested to assess the performance of the sampler during high run‐off events.
Open Access
Assessing the Relative Contributions of Input, Structural, Parameter, and Output Uncertainties to Total Uncertainty in Hydrologic Modeling
(2019) Pokorny, Scott
The simulation of physical environments by hydrologic models has become common as computational power has increased. It is well known that, to simulate the hydrology of a physical environment, simplifications of that environment are needed. The simplified versions of hydrologic processes generate uncertainty, in addition to ingesting uncertainty from input data. The uncertainty from one modeling step affects the next through propagation. Although computational power has increased through time, the computational demand for uncertainty analysis still remains a common limiting factor on the level of detail an uncertainty analysis can be conducted with. This thesis generates an estimate of total uncertainty propagated from input, structural, and parameter uncertainties for the Nelson River in the Lower Nelson River Basin near the outlet to Hudson Bay, as part of the BaySys project. Each source of uncertainty was relatively partitioned for determination of the most valuable source of uncertainty for consideration in an operational environment with a limited computational budget. The results of this thesis show the complex spatial and temporal variation present in gridded climate data. This thesis also presents an ensemble-based methodology to account for the input uncertainty associated with gridded climate data subject to propagation. The ensemble of input data was propagated through an ensemble of hydrologic models. Relative sensitivities of model parameters were shown to vary temporally and based on performance metrics, suggesting that aggregated performance metrics obscure information. Lastly, relative partitions of uncertainty were compared through cumulative distribution functions. Accounting for all sources of uncertainty appeared valuable towards improving streamflow predictability, however, structural uncertainty may be the most valuable in an operational environment with a limited computational budget followed by input, and parameter uncertainty.
Open Access
Atmospheric Forcing Drives the Winter Sea Ice Thickness Asymmetry of Hudson Bay
(American Geophysical Union, 2020-01-30) Kirillov, Sergey; Babb, David; Dmitrenko, Igor; Landy, Jack; Lukovich, Jennifer V.; Ehn, Jens; Sydor, Kevin; Barber, David; Stroeve, Julienne; Kirillov, Serg
Recently, we highlighted the presence of a strong west‐east asymmetry in sea ice thickness across Hudson Bay that is driven by cyclonic circulation. Building on this work, we use satellite altimetry and a unique set of in situ observations of ice thickness from three moored upward looking sonars to examine the role of atmospherically driven ice dynamics in producing contrasting regional ice thickness patterns. Ultimately, north‐northwesterly winds coupled with numerous reversals during winter 2016/2017 led to thicker ice in southern Hudson Bay, while enhanced west‐northwesterly winds during winter 2017/2018 led to thicker ice in eastern Hudson Bay that delayed breakup and onset of the summer shipping season to coastal communities. Extending the analysis over the 40‐year satellite observation period, we find that these two different patterns of atmospheric forcing alter the timing of breakup by 30 days in eastern Hudson Bay and offer some skill in seasonal predictions of breakup.
Open Access
Bacterial Isolates detected in Devils Lake (not detected in the Sheyenne/Red River Drainage)
(2008) Hudson, Crystal
A standard sample size of 60 fish was the objective for each of the target species of fish. A 60 fish sample size provides a 95% confidence level that a pathogen in an infected fish will be detected given in a 5% presumed prevalence of infection in that population (>2000). Fish were captured by used of experimental gill nets, and modified Fyke nets. After capture the fish were transported to a temporary field laboratory at Oevil's lake and held alive with Oevil's lake water until time of necropsy, examination, and sample collection.
Open Access
BaySys - Team 5, Sediment Coring and Water Quality Fieldwork Summary, March 1-6 and April 2-5, 2017
(2017-04) Stainton, T.M; Singer, J.
Fieldwork goals were to: To investigate the nature of sediment, organic matter, and mercury contributions over time to lakes in the Nelson River system, the goal of this eld program was to collect sediment cores and water samples from 2 sites within the pre- and post-impoundment waterbody extents at 5 lakes in the Nelson River watershed: On-system Stephens Lake Threepoint Lake Split Lake Off system Leftrook Lake Assean Lake
Open Access
BaySys 2016 Mooring Program Cruise Report
(2017-01) Hornby, Claire; Ehn, Jens; Matthes, Lisa; Kamula, K; Lee, J; Blondeau, S; Basu, A; Goharrokhi, M; Kazmiruk, Z; Kirilov, S
BaySys is a 4-year collaboration among industry partner Manitoba Hydro (Hydro Québec and Ouranos) and the Universities of Manitoba, Northern British Columbia, Québec à Rimouski, Alberta, Calgary, Laval and Trent to conduct research on Hudson Bay. The overarching goal of the project is to understand the role of freshwater in Hudson Bay marine and coastal systems, and in particular, to create a scientific basis to distinguish climate change effects from those of hydroelectric regulation of freshwater on physical, biological and biogeochemical conditions in Hudson Bay. This project will address the main objective from a “systems” perspective, with sub-objectives to examine the climate, marine, and freshwater systems, and to study the cycling of carbon and contaminants. As such, five research teams have been organized to investigate five inter-connected subsystems, with continuous consultation, integration and feedback from Manitoba Hydro and other project participants: (Team 1) Marine and Climate Systems, (Team 2) Freshwater System (not involved in field work), (Team 3) Marine Ecosystem, (Team 4) Carbon Cycling and (Team 5) Contaminants
Open Access
BaySys 2016 Mooring Program Cruise Report
(Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, 2016) Hornby, Claire; Ehn, J; Matthes, L; Kamula, K; Lee, J; Blondeau, S; Basu, A; Goharrokhi, M; Kazmiruk, Z; Kirilov, S
The BaySys mooring team and crew onboard the CCGS Des Groseilliers. Five oceanographic moorings were deployed from September 26-October 3, 2016. The team attempted to retrieve the lost ArcticNet mooring, AN01, but were not successful. Opportunistic water and sediment sampling were executed at each possible station
Open Access
BaySys 2017 Fall Cruise Report -Turnaround of Moorings
(2018) Kirillov, Sergei; Peck, Christopher; Petrusevich, Vladislav
BaySys is a 4-year collaboration among industry partner Manitoba Hydro (Hydro Québec and Ouranos) and the Universities of Manitoba, Northern British Columbia, Québec à Rimouski, Alberta, Calgary, Laval and Trent to conduct research on Hudson Bay. The overarching goal of the project is to understand the role of freshwater in Hudson Bay marine and coastal systems, and in particular, to create a scientific basis to distinguish climate change effects from those of hydroelectric regulation of freshwater on physical, biological and biogeochemical conditions in Hudson Bay. In late September 2016, five oceanographic moorings were deployed in the eastern Hudson Bay and at the entrance to James Bay (Figure 1). These moorings were supposed to be recovered in summer 2017 during the BaySys cruise onboard CCGS Amundsen or White Diamond - a vessel r efurnished in 2017 for the Churchill Marine Observatory. Later, a decision on turning the moorings from White Diamond instead of recovery was made. Unfortunately, the slow progress of ship’s inspection from Transport Canada caused multiple delays of ship’s departure from Prince Edward Island and the 2017 cruise was cancelled. Because of the critical role of these moorings for the scientific objectives of oncoming Amundsen cruise in spring 2018, theopportunistic cruise onboard CCGS Henry Larsen was conducted in October 26 – November 1, 2017 in order to maintain the uninterrupted measurements. The goals for this short cruise were to retrieve and re-deploy as many BaySys moorings as possible accompanied with the concurrent CTD and water sampling.
Open Access
BaySys 2018 Mooring Program Cruise Report
(2018) Petrusevich, Vladislav; Ehn, Jens
BaySys is a 4-year collaboration among industry partner Manitoba Hydro (Hydro Québec and Ouranos) and the Universities of Manitoba, Northern British Columbia, Québec à Rimouski, Alberta, Calgary, Laval and Trent to conduct oceanographic research in Hudson Bay. The overarching goal of the project is to understand the role of freshwater in Hudson Bay marine and coastal systems, and in particular, to create a scientific basis to distinguish climate change effects from those of hydroelectric regulation of freshwater on physical, biological and biogeochemical conditions in Hudson Bay.
Open Access
Biota Transfer Risk Assessment for Devils Lake Outlet Proposal
(2014-12-10) Peterson Environmental Inc.
Phase I: Methods and Problems in Developing the List o[Potential Biota of Concern (PBOC)